John Wick is one of those franchises that seemingly came out of nowhere. Keanu Reeves (deservedly) has maintained a level of currency through his lengthy and stellar career, but if we’re to be honest, his star was on the wane when he signed on to the first of these films.

Through an excellent directorial debut from his former Matrix stuntman (Chad Stalhelski), and not the least through Reeves' own impressive skills, a new action series has been born. Hard to believe, but from the rather simple (yet effective) tome of a man whose puppy was slain, has spawn an expansive mythology and a balls out, highly entertaining series of films.

With Chapter 3: Parabellum, John has broken a sacred rule amongst the world of assassins and has been declared ‘Incommunicado’. Succinctly, he is in deep shit. Every hired killer, thug, gang, or mailman, connected to Wick’s violent environment now wants to collect the sizeable bounty on his head.

This film wastes no time, starting moments after the end of Chapter 2, and quickly ramping up into a brutal, violent, slug fest that barely comes up for air. There are some truly jaw dropping action sequences of unrivalled length and complexity. Reeves is now in his fifties, but there is no sign of his agility slowing in this one. {googleads}

Let’s talk about story for a moment. One doesn’t need to expect a complex tale, and the previous films have set the standard for what to expect. You are buying a ticket to watch John Wick school some fools with the most imaginative kills the filmmakers can muster, and this third film may just have topped the first two in accomplishing that.

However…

The first film was more introspective. The connection to his puppy and recently deceased wife, motivations written and performed so well, made us want Wick to kill mofos like nobody business. The second expanded the world, and added characters to that agenda, but for this reviewer, it lost a little of that emotional connection to the audience. The third goes even further into world building, new characters, and solely embraces the DNA of a pure action fair. The—shall I dare use the word—beauty of Wick’s emotions has been lost from the first one, come this third entry.

He’s slick, almost superhuman, undeniably watchable, but no longer a relatable man, despite the connections to his past being mentioned throughout the narrative. This one and Reeves commits fully to the absurdity of a solitary man, fighting his way out of ridiculously impossible situations. I would like to see, since I suspect there may just be more of these in the future, a return to some balance between action and emotion. It’s what made the first one so great to begin with.

This is no way is me saying the film is weak. It is crazy good fun. The effects and stunt work are mind-blowing. So many scenes are as imaginative as they are frenetic, taking your breath away and literally putting you on the edge of your seat.

The stage is now set for more. There are new characters and new threads to expand upon, if the filmmakers so choose. This third chapter gives you no reason not to want more from this series. Parebellum, like its star, shows no sign of fatigue.

Impressive stuff.

Blu-ray Details:

Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD

Home Video Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Available on Blu-ray: September 10, 2019
Screen Formats: 2.39: 1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French, Spanish
Audio: English: Dolby Atmos; English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1; English: Dolby Digital 2.0; Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1; French: Dolby Digital 5.1
Discs: two disc set; DVD copy 
Region Encoding: Locked to region A

Super Assassin John Wick comes home in a beautiful Blu-ray + DVD + Digital two-disc edition from Lionsgate that includes a ton of bonus materials, a Lionsgate digital redemption code, a blu-ray disc, and a DVD copy.

Video

Putting aside its hell raising action and top-notch theatrics, John Wick:Chapter 3 - Parabellum is a beautiful treat to the eyes with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp resolution that rarely waiver throughout the 2.39 presentation. Much of the film takes place in dark environments whether inside mysterious, dimly lit buildings, or out on the nighttime rain-soaked streets, however the quality of the transfer never fails to please. Daylight scenes are equally pleasing with perfect contrast and true skin colors. Fast forward to the 41-minute mark and check out the beauty of Sofia's Moroccan lair. The scene perfectly sums up the attention to detail and fine craftsmanship of this transfer.

Audio

Here's where the film really gets to kick some ass with its Dolby Atmos audio track. Bullets whiz across the room and fists fly with whistling fury as the entire 360 degree surround dome comes to life - especially the upper reaches where lots of things happen. The most noticeable attribute on the track is Tyler Bates' ominous score that works itself about the room seamlessly. Dialogue is clear and crisp and though mostly front centered, is always on the move. Then there are the gun shots. Oh my! You'll find yourself ducking and dodging as bullets whiz about the room. Some of the loudest gun shots you're likely to ever hear. The release also contains a Dolby TrueHD 7.1, a Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby audio, and an English 2.0 Dolby digital audio track optimized for late-night listening.

Supplements:

Commentary:

• None

Special Features:

Included on the blu-ray disc are nine featurettes that total more than an hour a bonus material.

• Parabellum: Legacy of the High Table (10:57)
• Exommunicado (09:44)
• Check Your Sights (09:55)
• Saddle Up Wick (05:10)
• Bikes, Blades, Bridges, and Bits (06:35)
• Continental in the Desert (10:15)
• Dog Fu (08:04)
• House of Transparency (07:10)
• Shot By Shot (08:57)
• Theatrical Trailer 1
• Theatrical Trailer 2
• John Wick Hex Game Trailer

Blu-ray Rating:

	Movie
	Video
	Audio
	Extras
Overall Blu-ray Experience

MPAA Rating: R for pervasive strong violence, and some language.
Runtime: 130 mins
Director: Chad Stahelski
Writer: Derek Kolstad, Shay Hatten
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Ian McShane
Genre: Action
Tagline: Every action has consequences.
Memorable Movie Quote: "Nothing's ever just a conversation with you, John."
Theatrical Distributor: Lionsgate
Official Site: https://www.johnwick.movie/
Release Date: May 16, 2019
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: No details available.
Synopsis: John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is on the run for two reasons … he’s being hunted for a global $14 million dollar open contract on his life, and for breaking a central rule: Taking a life on Continental Hotel grounds. The victim was a member of the High Table who ordered the open contract. John should have already been executed, except the Continental’s manager, Winston, has given him a one-hour grace period before he’s “excommunicado” – membership revoked, banned from all services, and cut off from other members. John uses the service industry to stay alive as he fights and kills his way out of New York City.

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